Editor’s note: This article was updated on 05/17/2023

The Nissan LEAF has been gunning for affordable electric vehicle (EV) segment dominance for over a decade now. As a result, the used car market features some great deals. For instance, the 2013 and 2015 Nissan LEAF don’t just constitute a used EV bargain; they might be one of the best bets for a cheap, small car under $10,000. Check out the little Nissan EV and why it’s an excellent way for electrified car hunters to leave the gas station for good. 

Is the 2015 Nissan LEAF fully electric?

The 2015 Nissan LEAF is fully electric, using an 80 kW AC synchronous electric motor in lieu of a hybrid platform. That’s the same 110 kW unit as the 2013 model year but with an extra nine miles of electric range. 

Moreover, the 2015 LEAF packs a 6.6 kW onboard charger, compared to the 6.0 kW unit in the 2013 model year. Furthermore, Car and Driver says the 2015 Nissan LEAF has a five-hour charge time with a 220/240V charger application but may take around 21 hours on a 110/120V setup. 

What is the range of a 10-year-old Nissan LEAF?

A 10-year-old 2013 Nissan LEAF will cover as much as 75 miles on a single charge. While that might not seem like much, the Nissan model’s accessible used car value makes it a solid prospect for potential owners with short commutes.

Better yet, the newer 2015 model year could also drive 84 miles with its Lithium Ion Traction Battery. Still, more recent model years could cover as much as 226 miles. However, a 2023 LEAF starts at around $29,135, making it a much more expensive option. 

How much is a 2013 Nissan LEAF? 

A 2013 Nissan LEAF has a fair value of around $6,055 with average mileage. That places it firmly in Consumer Reports’ range of the best used cars under $10,000. Moreover, the lack of gasoline costs could result in monthly savings for LEAF owners. 

Still, fans who want a newer LEAF can opt for a 2015 model year, which adds a little range but maintains the controversial bug-eyed aesthetic. Specifically, the 2015 LEAF has a fair value of about $8,976. Of course, EVs eventually require a replacement battery, which is expensive. 

For instance, replacing the battery in a LEAF could cost as much as $5,500, per Recurrent. Given a battery replacement cost like that, potential owners might consider an older LEAF as a disposable vehicle to be discarded after the battery has reached the end of its life.  

How long will a used Nissan LEAF last?

According to iSeeCars’ lifespan study, a used Nissan LEAF has a potential lifespan of around 98,081 miles. However, the metrics reflect average odometer readings in some higher-mileage examples and do not indicate the maximum potential mileage. 

Is it worth buying a second-hand Nissan LEAF?

A used LEAF is an excellent prospect for car hunters looking for cheap EVs. However, the limited range of early-model LEAFs could be prohibitive for commuters with longer daily drives or road trip aspirations. For shoppers who can’t live with the sub-100-mile range or access 220V charging architecture, consider a used plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) like the Ford C-Max Energi or Chevrolet Volt.